GOV-04 · The decision-maker's memo

Write the one-page memo a real decision-maker would actually read before a vote or a decision on a real, currently open policy question.

One real, currently open decision (a pending vote, a rulemaking decision, a budget allocation). The primary documents behind it (bill text, proposed rule, budget line). A one-page memo written to the format and length real legislative or executive staff actually use — not a school essay format.

Writing a five-page essay and calling it a memo. Burying the recommendation instead of leading with it. Citing no source for a single factual claim in the memo.

One-page memo with a clear recommendation stated up front, key facts sourced, at least one counterargument acknowledged and addressed, and a short "what happens if we do nothing" section.

CT: brevity as a discipline, not a shortcut. CR: every fact sourced despite the length limit. CO: peer tries to find an unsupported claim in the memo. CM: the memo itself. CZ: whoever the decision most affects and does not get a vote.

Government teacher or, where available, someone with real legislative/executive staff experience reviews the memo for format and sourcing. School-supervised.

R1: one decision, one memo. R2: facts sourced despite brevity. R3: recommendation follows from the analysis, not asserted first and justified after. R4: counterargument genuinely engaged. R5: a real decision-maker could act on it without follow-up questions.

(a) A memo that reads like a persuasive essay with no format discipline. (b) A recommendation with zero acknowledgment that anyone could reasonably disagree.

• Week 1: Decision and primary documents identified and confirmed real/current.
• Week 2: Draft memo; mentor checks format and one factual claim.
• Week 3: Final memo; peer stress-test for unsupported claims.

Lane A immediately (government capstone, pre-law elective). Natural precursor to GOV-08. No verified credit claim.